Hultgren says he'll give back salary during partial shutdown

U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren, R-Winfield, issued the following news release:

Congressman Randy Hultgren announced he will give back his congressional salary during the partial government shutdown.

“Today, I asked the House to revoke my salary until Congress passes and the president signs an acceptable solution to fund the federal government. I have also furloughed the majority of my staff, in line with the rest of government, but my offices remain open with skeletal staff to respond to urgent constituent needs and concerns. My first priority is to continue to serve my constituents as I work to quickly resolve this impasse and move forward.

“No one wants a government shutdown, and we have tried multiple times to negotiate with the Senate to come to a solution. We have requested a conference committee, in which the House and Senate can come to the table and negotiate. But the Senate refused. We voted to revoke any special treatment for Congress and the President under Obamacare. But the Senate refused again. Their refusal to negotiate and compromise threatens to extend this shutdown.

“Let me make it clear: We are fighting to protect hardworking families and small businesses from unintended consequences of the President’s healthcare law. We are fighting for the part-time workers who hours were reduced under Obamacare, the small business that is facing increased taxes and paperwork who have been pushed off their employer-based healthcare into the exchanges, citizens who are losing their choice of doctors, the college professors who are being taken out of the classroom, and diabetics and elderly who face more expensive medical devices under the Obamacare tax. We are fighting to prevent more damage to our economy.